The most popular online casino among Australians is Casino on Net, with about 11 per cent of gambling site hits according to a survey. This, despite online gambling’s illegal status in Australia. Approximately 40 per cent of hits by Australians gambling on the internet are on overseas based online casinos and sports betting sites.

The average gambling visit is about 11 minutes long, but it’s not unusual for some punters to play for over two hours.

According to Internet research company, Hitwise, nine of the 10 sites keeping gamblers online longest are based overseas.

Australia’s federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 makes it illegal to provide or advertise interactive gambling sites. However, most sites are based abroad, and it does not apply to the punters using the sites.

A review of the law banning most types of interactive gaming sites is due soon.

Jan McMillen, of the ANU Centre for Gambling Research, said by driving Australians offshore, gamblers had been exposed to sites which might have lower standards of player protection than local sites. 'Where they can't find the gambling opportunities they want locally, they go elsewhere and the internet is a global market,' Professor McMillen said.